Governor Harrison. Photo credit: anguilla.fco.gov.uk
Anguilla’s UK Governor Alistair Harrison has outlined good governance, as one of his responsibilities, recognising it as a duty to stop wrong-doing within government.
“I welcome the commitment of the new Government to combat corruption, and confirm the commitment of the UK Government to continue to work with them in that regard,” Harisson told local media.
According to him , good governance is an important area of the governor’s responsibilities, ” but it is far less clearly defined than my other responsibilities, and the powers that I have in this area are also much less clear,” he added.
Governor Harrison said this is right, because good governance cannot be imposed by fiat, from him or anyone else, and it requires the consent and commitment of all branches of government and wider society.
“Good governance was defined by the chief minister at my reception to mark the inauguration of the new House of Assembly as stopping bad government. I think that this definition is an excellent starting point. It is certainly part of the role of the governor to try to stop anything that he thinks is wrong in government, as it is the duty of any citizen to point out and take appropriate action against wrong-doing,” he explained.
However, according to the Queen’s representative on the island “good governance can and should also have a positive side, and involve the promotion of measures that will contribute to the standards of government and of public life more generally. For example the AUM manifesto proposes that all Senior Civil Servants, political appointees, candidates and Ministers to declare business assets and interests. I fully support that and believe it would be the revival of a practice what was introduced some time ago and fell into disuse. I would be happy for it to include the Governor,” he stated.
He also welcomes the commitment to greater transparency in government in the AUM manifesto.
“Daylight is often the best way to ensure good governance. The new Government is committed to introducing a Freedom of Information Act, and I am sure this is correct. EXCO is also looking at ways in which its decisions can be made public more efficiently and quickly. As a modest start, the new Government and I have agreed that I will notify the press when the chief minister is absent, and tell you who has been appointed to act in his absence,” Harrison said. Usually that position is filled by the deputy chief minister, unless both of them are away at the same time.
Harrison said good governance should also include a role for parliament, in our case the House of Assembly.
“There is wide agreement on the need for a Public Accounts Committee and an Ombudsman reporting to the House. These reforms will require an enlarged House of Assembly which will in turn need constitutional change. The new Government wants to press ahead with this,” he informed the media.
He sees the issue as a key factor in promoting a positive image of Anguilla and increases confidence amongst potential investors. In short, Good Governance is good for business.”
“A well-regulated financial sector, an independent and honest judiciary, a legal profession committed to upholding their first duty to the law, and a popular culture where the highest standards are supported and applauded are all essential to the good governance of Anguilla in the broadest sense. Adherence to international human rights standards is also important. I will try to ensure that I fulfil my commitment, but it also requires all of us to do the same. Indeed, a free and fearless press has been the most important bulwark against bad government in many countries. So you too have a key part to play.”
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